A Leeds, UK nursery worker has been arrested in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a two-year old child in her care.

Officers from West Yorkshire Police’s child and public protection unit were called to the centre in South Leeds, after the allegation was made. The staff member was arrested in connection with the allegation and has since been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

The woman, 32 and from Leeds, was arrested last Friday.

One parent, whose toddler son attends the centre, said: “It is the worst nightmare situation. It is an allegation at the moment though and people are innocent until proven guilty. Hopefully there will prove to be no foundation to it.”

A woman picking up her three-year-old son said: “They haven’t told us anything about it at all. It’s worrying.”

A couple picking up their toddler daughter said: “This is the first I have heard about it. It is upsetting to hear this. They should have said something.”

The YEP understands the police inquiry into the alleged incident is at a very early stage.

The centre’s manager, said she was unable to make any comment. A Leeds City Council spokesman said: “We are providing the police with all requested assistance.”

A spokeswoman for the centre said: “A member of staff employed at the centre has been suspended as a result of an allegation. We undertook criminal records bureau checks on this individual, as we do with all staff, and can confirm this check revealed no records, as recently ago as December.”

The nursery is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to care for 30 children.

There are currently 45 children on its roll in the early years age group, attending on a full and part-time basis.